MOTOR SPORT:Fernando Alonso delighted his legions of Spanish Formula One fans in Valencia yesterday with the quickest time in testing on an emotional debut for Ferrari.

The double world champion, who was cheered on by an astonishing 36,000-strong weekday crowd at Valencia’s Ricardo Tormo circuit, played down suggestions of being the early favourite in the title race, however.

“No, I don’t think so. It’s just the first day,” the former Renault driver said.

Alonso, who has replaced Finland’s Kimi Raikkonen as Brazilian Felipe Massa’s team- mate at the Italian team, was immediately on the pace and stayed on top of the timesheets for the rest of the day.